The Obamas & Having High Tea In London
The predictions are that the President is in for a stormy reception at the G20 meetings in London. That may be the case but there is a typical English recipe for recovery after a rough day trying to organize the world. The English have a long history of participating in world organization with varying degrees of success through the centuries.
They seem to keep popping up as a nation to listen to, even when their fortunes are at a low ebb. I think that Afternoon Tea has something to do with it.
No matter what is going on short of a blitz the nation stops at about 4pm for a cuppa.
That’s a “nice cup of tea” to those who have not been initiated to this custom. The tea break is taken at various levels of formality with varying accompaniments of biscuits (cookies) that have digestive claims included.
The High Tea is the level of formality that I expect will be enjoyed by the President and his wife. My advice is that they take their tea at either the Palm Court in the Ritz Hotel or at the St James Restaurant in Fortnum and Mason ( check out the clock first)
The tiny sandwiches crumpets, scones, chocolates and service are all special in either of these locations. An hour spent over tea will reinforce spirits and provide sustenance to take the President to dinner. Dinner will be later than it is in the White House where two small kids set an early dinner schedule and the English normally eat late. Eight O’clock is not late for them.
There is something that Obama should realize about the English and that is that they are very distant cousins. They are polite and great company but they are a people who at one time spread out from their tiny area to conquer the world. The sun at one time never set on their Empire. The area they now hold has diminished, but remember that they are folks that had the capability to organize much of the world. When it comes to money they still know how to rule.
When the Port is being passed relax and have a few laughs but be very careful at the negotiating table. The experience on the other side of that table has a long and successful financial history. You are a few chips short on this hand being dealt.
The cheering of the Obama masses looks good on TV but at the table with Great Britain, France and Germany that cheering will mean little. President Wilson was cheered when he toured Europe after World War One. He thought he could campaign like an election to win support for his views. The crowds cheered, he waved and smiled and was ebullient and confident. When he sat at the table to negotiate he was handed his lunch. The French and English focused on their agenda and Wilson was like a babe in the woods. His time at Princeton became a distant memory when he was faced by his savvy counterparts.
I see a similar challenge facing Obama as he lands in Europe. It is a bit disconcerting to think that his European experience is almost zero and I am not sure that his advisers are much more prepared. I’ll bet that they couldn’t find Fortnum and Masons on their own.
Will they be able to find the financial answers? Yesterday the Obama action leading the government takeover of the auto industry indicates his lack of understanding of how money and business works. This lack of experience and understanding is combined with unbelievable arrogance and political motives seem to override any concern for our Nation’s welfare.
The President and Michelle should enjoy their high tea at Fortnum’s or The Ritz because the problems he is causing will prevent many relaxed moments in the months to come
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Comments
Ann,
Does this mean you want to take the bet? What is the Bush reference about? I thought he left several months ago.
If Obama thinking that he can run the auto industry better than those in the industry isn’t the height of arrogance I don’t know what arrogance is….. There has been no mention by the administration of the union pension and other legacy problems which must be addressed. The Obama Cult will need to face reality sooner of later.
Thanks for reading & commenting on— Buck Says
Is sarcasm always necessary? (”I’ll bet they couldn’t find F&M …”) And to say Obama’s arrogance is “unbelievable” is itself “unbelievable” after 8 years of George-My-Way-Or-The-Highway-Bush.